10 Mesmerizing Time-Lapse Videos

Time-lapse photography has been around for over 100 years. It allows viewers to see time progressing without having to wait around for it to happen, a la Koyaanisqatsi or Baraka. It also reveals the way the world works on a scale that's invisible to the unaided eye.

With the use of high-quality DSLR cameras, computer-driven timers and tripods, it’s never been easier to achieve these images. Professionals and hobbyists alike are creating stunning views of our world — from the cosmos to the Truckasaurus.

Here are 10 of our favorite recent time lapse films for your viewing pleasure (please excuse some of the over-the-top music). Feel free to point out any of your own favorites in the comments.

Above:

Time-Lapse: Quebec City Winter 2010

Filmmaker Dominic Boudreault takes us on a time-lapse journey through his hometown of Quebec. These surreal images were captured in January through April of 2010.

Time-Lapse: Aurora Borealis in Finnish Lapland 2011

Flatlight Films shows us a unique look at the northern lights during the winter of 2011. Shot in several locations in the Finnish Lapland and filmed with DSLR cameras and remote pan/tilt heads to capture the entire horizon.

Pan-Lapse: Billy Goat Hill, SF

Filmmaker Ken Murphy shows an interesting view from Billygoat Hill, a neighborhood of San Francisco. Ken used a motorized camera mount set to make a single revolution in 90 minutes, capturing images at five-second intervals.

Time-Scapes: Rapture

Filmmaker Tom Lowe shows us a clip from his upcoming film Timescapes, a modern portrait of the American Southwest.

Time-Lapse: Stars in Motion

See the path of the stars and rotation of the Earth over ancient temples and old structures in Greece. This time-lapse collection took Chris Kotsiopoulos two years to assemble.

Time-Lapse: Metal Heart

Everyone loves a Truckasaurus! Filmmaker Keith Loutit shows us a new perspective of a monster truck … and its fans.

Mauna-Lapse: From Sea to Summit

Mauna Kea is located at 13,796 feet and offers some amazing time-lapse moments. Captured by the Upthink Lab. Aloha!

Time-Lapse: Tall Painting

Who knew spilling paint could be so beautiful? Brooklyn-based filmmaker Dave Kaufman speeds up time to bring an artist’s work to a new perspective.

Time-Lapse: One Year in 40 Seconds

Ever wonder what one year in Norway would look like in 40 seconds? Eirik Solheim documented every day of the year to get this fresh perspective on time.

Time-Lapse: Where Are We Going?

Filmmaker David Coiffier takes us on a time-lapse journey around the planet. Shot in Paris, NYC, Tuscany, Normandy and Australia, to name a few.